Tara Duncan and the Forbidden Book by HRH Princess Sophie Audouin-Mamikonian Page B

hair, as the mammoth quivered with joy.
    â€œNumber one,” said Robin, counting on his fingers, “we didn’t have permission to come in here, so we’ve broken an imperial rule. Steal a couple of elephant hairs, nobody notices. But steal an elephant, that’s a little harder to hide. Number two: This animal attacked us without any reason. Usually all he cares about is rummaging in your pockets for snacks of red bananas or popping peanuts. So I’m feeling cautious about his reactions right now. Number three: The empress adores this elephant. Number four: Her scientists have been studying him for years to find out why he doesn’t age, so he’s considered a national treasure. Aside from all that, you’re right; we don’t have any problem.”
    The only thing Fabrice picked up from Robin’s little speech was that the half-elf distrusted his new friend.
    â€œYou don’t have a familiar, so you don’t know what it’s like!” he shouted vehemently. “My mind and his are one now. He tells me that a dark figure approached him shortly before we arrived, and he can’t remember anything after that. He was bewitched! Tara wasn’t able to immobilize him, and you know how powerful she is. And what about the bushes? How do you explain that he was able to burn them up just like that? I’m telling you, our main problem isn’t Barune, it’s finding out who tried to kill Tara again.”
    â€œFabrice is right,” said Tara thoughtfully. “Whoever wants to get rid of me tried it indirectly this time. And it nearly worked! If Barune hadn’t become Fabrice’s familiar, the spell wouldn’t have been broken, and he would’ve killed us all!”
    Looking a bit green, Fabrice lowered himself to the ground.
    â€œOw!” he said, feeling his ribs. “That’s true. Barune nearly squeezed me to death. All right, so what we—”
    The garden gates swung open just then, admitting a group of very alert guards followed by a half-dozen high wizards, including Chem, Boudiou, and Chanfrein—and the emperor and empress.
    â€œWhat’s going on here?” thundered Xandiar, the captain of the guards. “We thought someone was attacking the palace!”
    Emperor Sandor carefully studied the mammoth and the four kids, then frowned.
    â€œCan you clear something up for me, my dear?” he asked unctuously. “Did you give your precious guests permission to take their ease in our private garden?”
    â€œUnless I’ve been the victim of a sudden attack of amnesia,” the empress answered playfully, “I don’t believe I gave anyone that permission.”
    Sparrow, Fabrice, and Robin were rigid with fear and embarrassment.
    All right, thought Tara, I guess it’s up to me, as usual.
    â€œOur friend Fabrice has been chosen, Your Imperial Majesty,” she said. “That’s why we’re in your garden.”
    Okay, that was stretching the truth a little. But Tara really couldn’t say they were preparing a potion to help Cal escape from prison. Now it was the empress’s turn to frown.
    â€œHe was chosen? What a stupid excuse! I don’t see any animal here except for Barune—”
    Gaping, the empress suddenly interrupted herself. She had just noticed her blue mammoth’s golden eyes.
    â€œNo! Not Barune!” she moaned. “Don’t tell me Barune chose this boy as his master?”
    â€œYup,” said Tara flatly. “Sorry.”
    What happened after that is a little unclear. The empress had hysterics, because she loved the animal dearly. Xandiar suggested killing Fabrice as the only way to get the familiar back. Fortunately, the two rulers didn’t listen to their bloodthirsty guard captain, though Fabrice got a chill when he found the emperor studying him thoughtfully. Lady Boudiou enveloped Fabrice in a protective embrace, then wanted to do the same to